Hexylresorcinol

Hexylresorcinol is an organic compound with local anaesthetic, antiseptic and anthelmintic properties.

It is available for use topically on small skin infections, or as an ingredient in throat lozenges. Johnson & Johnson markets hexylresorcinol in its Neutrogena and RoC skincare products as an anti-aging cream.

A study published in Chemical Research in Toxicology shows that 4-hexylresorcinol used as a food additive (E-586) exhibits some estrogenic activity, i.e. resembles action of the female sex hormone estrogen.

In one study, 4-hexylresorcinol increased the shelf life of shrimp by reducing melanosis (black spots).

In mice with cancer, 4-hexylresorcinol inhibited NF-κB and extended their survival rate.